World Music Options from Michel Smolens and Second Sight Music

..... music for occasions.....

World Music Options

West African trio "Bal du Kor"

Three veteran performers/composers/recording artists
join forces to create an enchanting fusion
of traditional and original West African
melodies and rhythms.

The heart of this dynamic and captivating ensemble
are the indigenous instruments balafon (marimba),
dun-dun (talking drum), and kora (harp),
uniquely combined with alto flute, ukulele,
melodica, djembe, djun-djuns, shekere,
bells, tambourine, and vocals.

The band's emotional range spans from
the delicate and longing to the inspiring and ecstatic,
while their collective cosmopolitan backgrounds
give birth to unpredictable musical excursions.

"On Wednesday, February 14, 2007,
the talented West African Trio “Bal du Kor” performed
with indigenous African instruments playing authentic
West African music...to the delight of all."
—Castilleja School

O Ba Yay
Voice, Djembe, Djun-djuns, Bells
1:05

Saffron
Alto Flute, Kora, Dun-dun
:56

The Morning Wind Speaks
Voice, Balafon, Kora, Tambourine
:28

Upside-down Umbrella
Kora, Djembe, Djuns-djuns, Shakers
:33

photo gallery

West African Balafon

Michael plays a specially tuned "balafon" or marimba made by a master craftsman in Guinea. Its sweet tone is heard throughout Africa and increasingly in world fusion music.

balafon 1 - solo, played freely

balafon 2 - solo, in tempo

balafon 3 - duo with vibraphone, played freely

balafon 4- duo with vibraphone, in tempo

West African Tone Drum

This unique twelve-note tone drum was made by Australian instrument builder Al Wunder. The origin of this instrument was found to contain two and occassionally three tones made out of a hollowed log, hence its original description, "log drum". Tribes would literally communicate to one another using this and other indigenous instruments.

tone drum - with additional hand percussion and wood flute

South African Shona Mbira

Shona mbira music is known to have originated in Zimbabwe over 700 years ago. Each piece consists of a basic cyclical pattern which includes numerous intertwined melodies, often with contrasting rhythms. The example here represents Michael's investigation into the world of gentle trance-polyrhythmic play, using his digital keyboard.

Mbira - solo

Brazilian Acoustic Guitar

The music of Brazil often incorporates the classical guitar sound. Though not a guitarist, Michael has had many years of experience performing this style using the classic nylon string guitar sound on his digital keyboard.

If You Never Come To Me (A.C. Jobim) - slow bossa-nova

Vera Cruz (M. Nascimiento) - fast samba

arrangements by Michael Smolens

North Indian Tablas/Harmonium

Not only does North India possess one of the most intoxicating musical cultures, but it has also permeated the entire Bay Area. The traditional instruments of tabla, harmonium and voice easily meld with any Western instrument such as saxophone, keyboard, and drum set. What you will hear is one of several different harmonium sounds available on Michael's digital keyboard.

tabla - solo, played freely

harmonium and tabla - duet

harmonium and tabla - ensemble with voice, in tempo

Middle Eastern Dumbek

This mainstay Middle Eastern drum complements virtually any melodic instrument or voice, and creates a sensuous sonic environment.

dumbek - with Turkish G Clarinet

Caribbean Steel Pans

This Caribbean island instrument was originally made from used oil barrels, fashioned into shape with hammers. They have since inspired an entire musical genre, and are now manufactured. The instruments that Michael plays are known as "double- seconds", and have a mellower tone than the more frequently heard "lead" pan.

double second steel pans - with drum set